Magnetic picture frame system, kit and method for hanging a magnetic picture frame

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a magnetic picture frame system to be hung to a supporting structure, the magnetic picture frame system comprising a frame body defining a picture receiving area and having a front face and a back face; a backing plate having an inner face engageable to the back face of the frame body to cover at least partially the picture receiving area, and an opposed outer face having a ferromagnetic area. The system further comprises a fixing apparatus having a magnetic portion magnetically removably couplable to the ferromagnetic area of the outer face of the backing plate; and a coupling portion couplable with the supporting structure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority of US provisional patent application 62/523.884, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present subject-matter relates to the field of picture frame systems, more specifically to magnetic picture frame systems having magnetic and/or ferromagnetic elements.

BACKGROUND

The display of various type of substantially two-dimensional materials (e.g. artwork, photographs, paintings, awards, schedules, calendars, certificates, diplomas, posters, etc.) is typically performed by inserting the material in a frame system intended for hanging or resting on a surface, which is typically a vertical surface of a structure, such as a wall. The frame provides protection to the material displayed and may provide visual aesthetics. Also, the frame provides support to facilitate the mounting, hanging or resting of the system onto the surface.

Nevertheless, disposing the material to be exposed in the frame is sometimes complex, since it requires successively removing and putting back a backing plate.

Moreover, hanging a frame system on a surface is often frustrating and time consuming, especially with regard to the correct alignment and positioning of the system. Furthermore, the user of the frame system usually can not benefit from a wide range of location possibilities to hang the frame system.

SUMMARY

According to a general aspect, there is provided a magnetic picture frame system comprising a frame body defining a picture receiving area and having a front face and a back face; one or more magnets mounted to the back face of the frame body; and a backing plate having an inner face at least partially ferromagnetic to be magnetically removably couplable to said one or more magnets for the backing plate to engage the frame body and cover at least partially the picture receiving area.

According to another general aspect, there is provided a magnetic picture frame system to be hung to a supporting structure, the magnetic picture frame system comprising a frame body defining a picture receiving area and having a front face and a back face; a backing plate having an inner face engageable to the back face of the frame body to cover at least partially the picture receiving area, and an opposed outer face having a ferromagnetic area; and a fixing apparatus having a magnetic portion magnetically removably couplable to the ferromagnetic area of the outer face of the backing plate and a coupling portion couplable with the supporting structure.

According to yet another general aspect, there is provided a magnetic picture frame kit comprising a frame body defining a picture receiving area and having a front face and a back face; one or more magnets mountable to the back face of the frame body; and a backing plate having an inner face at least partially ferromagnetic to be magnetically removably couplable to said one or more magnets for the backing plate to engage the frame body and cover at least partially the picture receiving area.

According to yet another general aspect, there is provided a magnetic picture frame kit comprising a frame body defining a picture receiving area and having a front face and a back face; a backing plate having an inner face engageable to the back face of the frame body to cover at least partially the picture receiving area, and an opposed outer face having a ferromagnetic area; and a fixing apparatus having a magnetic portion and a coupling portion, the magnetic portion being magnetically removably couplable to the ferromagnetic area of the outer face of the backing plate and the coupling portion being couplable with a supporting structure external to the magnetic picture frame.

According to yet another general aspect, there is provided a method for assembling a magnetic picture frame system, comprising providing a frame body defining a picture receiving area and having a front face and a back face, one or more magnets being mounted to the back face of the frame body; disposing a frameable material in the picture receiving area; providing a backing plate having an inner face at least partially ferromagnetic; and engaging the backing plate with the frame body by coupling the inner face of the backing plate with said one or more magnets for the backing plate to cover at least partially the frameable material disposed in the picture receiving area.

According to yet another general aspect, there is provided a method for hanging a magnetic picture frame system to a supporting structure, the magnetic picture frame system having a backing plate comprising an outer face having a ferromagnetic area, comprising providing a fixing apparatus having a magnetic portion and a coupling portion; coupling the coupling portion of the fixing apparatus to the supporting structure; and coupling the ferromagnetic area of the outer face of the backing plate to the magnetic portion of the fixing apparatus.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described hereunder.

In some embodiments, one or more recesses are formed in the back face of the frame body, the one or more magnets being at least partially received in the one or more recesses.

In some embodiments, the one or more magnets have a back surface magnetically removably couplable to the backing plate, the one or more recesses being dimensioned so that the back surface of the one or more magnets is flush with the back face of the frame body.

In some embodiments, the back face of the frame body comprises an inner side edge and a first ledge extending from the inner side edge so as to define a first rabbet, the backing plate being received within the first rabbet when coupled to said one or more magnets.

In some embodiments, the backing plate abuts against the first ledge when coupled to said one or more magnets.

In some embodiments, a height of the first rabbet is greater than or equal to a thickness of the backing plate.

In some embodiments, one or more recesses are formed in the first ledge, the one or more magnets being at least partially received in the one or more recesses.

In some embodiments, the one or more magnets have a back surface magnetically removably couplable to the inner face of the backing plate, the one or more recesses being dimensioned so that the back surface of the one or more magnets is flush with the first ledge.

In some embodiments, the picture receiving area defines an inner perimeter of the frame body, and the first rabbet extends at least partially about the inner perimeter.

In some embodiments, the frame body comprises an outer frame border having a back face, the back face of the outer frame border extending substantially parallel to the first ledge.

In some embodiments, the first rabbet comprises a rabbet inner side edge, the frame body further comprising a second ledge extending from the rabbet inner side edge of the first rabbet, so as to define a second rabbet extending at least partially along the first rabbet.

In some embodiments, the picture receiving area defines an inner perimeter of the frame body, and the second rabbet extends at least partially about the inner perimeter.

In some embodiments, the magnetic picture frame system further comprises a translucent panel received within the second rabbet.

In some embodiments, the translucent panel is supportable by the frame body and covers at least partially the picture receiving area thereof.

In some embodiments, the translucent panel is free of magnetic elements.

In some embodiments, the translucent panel has a light filtering layer.

In some embodiments, the translucent panel is permanently coupled to the frame body.

In some embodiments, a height of the second rabbet substantially corresponds to a thickness of the translucent panel.

In some embodiments, the translucent panel is sandwiched between the second ledge and the backing plate when the backing plate is received within the first rabbet.

In some embodiments, the frame body comprises an outer frame border having a back face, the back face of the outer frame border extending substantially parallel to the second ledge.

In some embodiments, the picture receiving area is formed substantially centrally in the frame body.

In some embodiments, the picture receiving area has a substantially polygonal shape.

In some embodiments, the picture receiving area has a substantially rectangular shape.

In some embodiments, the frame body comprises one or more frame members surrounding the picture receiving area.

In some embodiments, the magnetic picture frame system further comprises a frameable material received in the picture receiving area.

In some embodiments, the magnetic picture frame system further comprises a filler plate member positioned between the frameable material and the backing plate.

In some embodiments, the filler plate member comprises a cardboard member. In some embodiments, the ferromagnetic area covers at least about 10% of the outer face of the backing plate.

In some embodiments, the ferromagnetic area covers at least about 50% of the outer face of the backing plate.

In some embodiments, the ferromagnetic area covers substantially entirely the outer face of the backing plate.

In some embodiments, the magnetic portion is magnetically removably couplable to a plurality of locations of the outer face of the backing plate.

In some embodiments, the magnetic portion is magnetically removably couplable to an infinite number of locations of the outer face of the backing plate.

In some embodiments, the fixing apparatus comprises a housing, the magnetic portion being received in the housing.

In some embodiments, the coupling portion is designed to form an interlocking engagement with the supporting structure.

In some embodiments, the coupling portion comprises a slot designed to cooperate with the supporting structure.

In some embodiments, the coupling portion comprises a fixing body; and the magnetic portion comprises one or more location adjustment arms extending from said fixing body.

In some embodiments, a fixing opening is formed in the fixing body.

In some embodiments, the fixing opening is substantially circular.

In some embodiments, the magnetic portion comprises two opposed location adjustment arms extending from said fixing body.

In some embodiments, the magnetic portion comprises four adjustment arms separated by about 90 degrees around said fixing body.

In some embodiments, the fixing apparatus has a back face and a handling portion extending from the back face.

In some embodiments, the magnetic picture frame kit further comprises a translucent panel.

In some embodiments, the method for hanging a magnetic picture frame system further comprises displacing the backing plate relatively to the magnetic portion.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises decoupling the backing plate from the magnetic portion of the fixing apparatus; providing another magnetic picture frame system having a backing plate comprising an outer face having a ferromagnetic area; and coupling the backing plate of said another magnetic picture frame system to the magnetic portion of the fixing apparatus

A magnetic picture frame system is described herein.

In one embodiment, the magnetic picture frame system comprises:

-   -   a frame body defining an open central area;     -   at least one magnet supported by the frame body;     -   a ferromagnetic backing plate magnetically removably couplable         to the magnet to engage the frame body and cover the open         central area thereof; and     -   a fixing apparatus having a magnetic portion and a coupling         portion, the magnetic portion being magnetically removably         couplable to the ferromagnetic backing plate and the coupling         portion being couplable with a supporting structure external to         the magnetic picture frame.

In another embodiment of the magnetic picture frame system, the magnetic portion is magnetically removably couplable to the ferromagnetic backing plate at a plurality of locations on a surface of the ferromagnetic backing plate.

In yet another embodiment, the magnetic portion is magnetically removably couplable to the ferromagnetic backing plate at an infinite number of locations on the surface of the ferromagnetic backing plate.

In one embodiment, the magnetic picture frame system further comprises a translucent panel supportable by the frame body and covering the open central area thereof.

In another embodiment, the translucent panel is free of magnetic elements.

In yet another embodiment, the translucent panel is permanently coupled to the frame body.

In one embodiment of the magnetic picture frame system, the frame body comprises a first rabbet and the backing plate is received within the first rabbet when coupled to the at least one magnet.

In one embodiment, the first rabbet comprises a first ledge and the backing plate abuts against the first ledge when coupled to the at least one magnet.

In one embodiment of the magnetic picture frame system, a plurality of recesses is formed within the first ledge and the at least one magnet is received in the recesses.

In one embodiment, the open central area defines an inner perimeter of the frame body, and the first rabbet extends about the inner perimeter.

In one embodiment, the magnetic picture frame system further comprises a translucent panel, and the frame body further comprises a second rabbet formed along the first rabbet, the translucent panel being received within the second rabbet.

In another embodiment, a height of the second rabbet corresponds to a thickness of the translucent panel.

In yet another embodiment the second rabbet defines a second ledge and the translucent panel is sandwiched between the second ledge and the backing plate when the backing plate is received within the first rabbet.

In one embodiment, there is provided a magnetic picture frame kit comprising:

-   -   a frame body defining an open central area;     -   at least one magnet supportable by the frame body;     -   a ferromagnetic backing plate magnetically removably couplable         to the magnet to engage the frame body and cover the open         central area thereof; and     -   a fixing apparatus having a magnetic portion and a coupling         portion, the magnetic portion being magnetically removably         couplable to the ferromagnetic backing plate and the coupling         portion being couplable with a supporting structure external to         the magnetic picture frame.

In another embodiment, the magnetic picture frame kit further comprises a translucent panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a magnetic picture frame system in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a frame body in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a partially sectioned view, in perspective, of a frame body in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a cross-section view of a frame body in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a partially sectioned view, in perspective, of a frame body, a backing plate and a fixing apparatus in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a magnetic picture frame system in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of a magnetic picture frame system in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a fixing apparatus in accordance with an embodiment, together with a frame body and a backing plate;

FIG. 9A is a rear perspective view of a magnetic picture frame system in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 9B is a rear perspective view of the magnetic picture frame system in accordance with the other embodiment in which the fixing apparatus located on another position on the backing plate;

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of a fixing apparatus in accordance with another embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the fixing apparatus of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a partially sectioned view, in perspective, of a frame body, a backing plate and a fixing apparatus in accordance with another embodiment; and

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of a magnetic picture frame system comprising the different elements of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, namely so as not to unduly burden the figures with several reference numbers, not all figures contain references to all the components and features, references to some components and features may be found in only one figure, and components and features illustrated in other figures can be easily inferred therefrom. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and/or dimensions shown in the figures are preferred, for exemplification purposes only. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, this description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein in any way but rather as merely describing the implementation of the various embodiments described herein.

The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims and/or the specification may mean “one” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more”, “at least one”, and “one or more than one”.

The terms “coupled”, “coupling” or “couplable” as used herein can have several different meanings depending in the context in which these terms are used. For example, the terms coupled, coupling or couplable can have a mechanical connotation. For example, as used herein, the terms coupled, coupling or couplable can indicate that two elements or devices are directly connected to one another or connected to one another through one or more intermediate elements or devices via a mechanical element depending on the particular context.

The expression “frame body” is intended to refer to a body or member defining an open central area, the frameable material being intended to be positioned in the central area to be surrounded by the frame body.

The expression “magnet” is intended to refer to a material or object of any shape that produces a magnetic field and a force pulling on ferromagnetic materials.

The expression “ferromagnetic” is intended to refer to a feature of a material being attracted to magnets. Metals, alloys and oxides including, but not limited to, bismanol, cobalt, dysprosium, galdolinium, iron, various stainless steels, and nickel are ferromagnetic materials.

The expression “frameable material” refers to any material that can be displayed within a frame system. Frameable material may include, but is not limited to, artwork, photographs, paintings, awards, schedules, calendars, certificates, diplomas, posters or the like.

General Description of the Magnetic Picture Frame System

Broadly described, the magnetic picture frame system, according to various example embodiments and as shown in the accompanying drawings, is an improved frame system for framing frameable material and for convenient mounting and/or adjustments onto a supporting structure.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, there is shown a representation of the front perspective and rear perspective views, respectively, of a magnetic picture frame system 10 according to an example embodiment. The magnetic picture frame system 10 includes a frame body 12 defining a picture receiving area 26—or open area. The frame body 12 has a front face 16 and an opposed back face 22. It is to be understood that, in the following description, the term “front” refers to a portion of the frame body 12 facing the user when the magnetic picture frame system 10 is hung. On the other hand, the term “back” refers to a portion of the frame body 12 facing a supporting structure to which the magnetic picture frame system 10 is hung.

The front face 16 may have one or more aesthetic features, such as a pattern, motif, color, texture, trims, or the like.

The back surface 22 of the frame body 12 is designed to receive one or more components of the magnetic picture frame system 10.

The frame body 12 can be made of various materials including, but not limited to, polymers, wood, aluminum or stainless steel. The frame body 12 may be formed by molding or by any other process.

Alternatively, the frame body 12 may be formed by assembling at least three frame members 24 a, 24 b, 24 c, 24 d. The different frame members 24 a, 24 b, 24 c, 24 d can be coupled together using magnetism, glue or fasteners, including, but not limited to, nails, screws, adhesive tape or adhesives.

In the embodiment shown, the picture receiving area 26 is formed substantially centrally in the frame body 12. In some embodiments, the frame body 12 can have a substantially polygonal shape to define a picture receiving area 26 having a corresponding substantially polygonal shape. For example, the frame body 12 can be triangular and define a triangular open central area or picture receiving area 26. In the illustrated example, the frame body 12 has a rectangular shape. In other example embodiments, the frame body 12 can have non-polygonal shape, such as a circular or oval shape. The dimensions of the frame body 12 can vary depending on the size of the mold used to generate the frame body 12 or on the length of the frame components 24 a, 24 b, 24 c, 24 d used to assemble the frame body 12. Typically, the most popular frame sizes are 5″×7″, 8″×10″, 8.5″×11″, 11″×14″, 16″×20″, 18″×24″, 20″×24″ or 24″×36″. However, it will be understood that any other popular frame sizes may be used, such as frame sizes having a 3:2 aspect ratio for framing photographs.

As represented in FIGS. 2 and 3, the frame body 12 has an outer frame border 13 surrounding the picture receiving area 26. The outer frame border 13 has a back face 15 and an inner side edge 36 extending substantially perpendicularly to the back face 15 of the outer frame border 13. In other words, the inner side edge 36 of the outer frame border 13 defines an inner perimeter 27 of the picture receiving area 26.

As best seen in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the frame body 12 further includes a first ledge 34 extending from the inner side edge 36 towards the picture receiving area 26 so as to define a first rabbet 32. In the embodiment shown, the first ledge 34 extends perpendicularly to the inner side edge 36, and thus extends substantially parallel to the back face 15 of the outer frame border 13. As represented in particular in FIG. 4, the first ledge 34 has a first height h1 considered along a direction substantially perpendicular to the back face 15 of the outer frame border 13 and to the first ledge 34.

The first rabbet 32 extends along at least one side of one of the frame members 24 a, 24 b, 24 c, 24 d of the frame body 12. The first rabbet 32 may extend along opposing sides of the frame body 12. For example, and as illustrated, the first rabbet 32 extends along each side of the frame body 12, thereby following the inner perimeter 27 of the picture receiving area 26.

According to one example embodiment, and as illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the first rabbet 34 comprises a rabbet inner side edge 33 extending substantially perpendicularly to the first ledge 34. The frame body 12 further includes a second ledge 39 extending from the rabbet inner side edge 33 of the first rabbet 34 towards the picture receiving area 26 so as to define a second rabbet 38 extending at least partially along the first rabbet 32. The second rabbet 38 extends towards the front face 16 of the frame body 12 from the first ledge 34 of the first rabbet 32. The second rabbet 38 extends along at least one side of one of the frame members 24 a, 24 b, 24 c, 24 d of the frame body 12. The second rabbet 38 may extend along opposing sides of the frame body 12. For example, and as illustrated, the second rabbet 38 extends along each side of the frame body 12, thereby following the inner perimeter 27 of the picture receiving area 26.

In the embodiment shown, the second ledge 39 extends substantially parallel to the first ledge 34. In the embodiment shown, the second ledge 39 also extends substantially parallel to the back 15 of the outer frame border 13. As represented in FIG. 4, the second rabbet 38 has a second height h2 considered along a direction substantially perpendicular to the second ledge 39. Optionally, the first and second rabbets 32, 38 can be molded during the molding process of the entire frame body 12 or of each separate frame component 24 a, 24 b, 24 c, 24 d. Alternatively, the first and second rabbets 32, 38 can be formed by machining the frame body 12, such as by separately machining each frame members 24 a, 24 b, 24 c, 24 d.

It is thus understood that the back face 22 of the frame body 12 comprises the back face 15 of the outer frame border 13, the first ledge 32 and the second ledge 39, the back faces of these different components of the frame body 12 being substantially parallel to each other and some back faces being offset with respect to other back faces. The back face 22 of the frame body 12 further comprises the inner side edge 36 and the rabbet inner side edge 33.

It is appreciated that the shape, the configuration, and the relative positions of the frame body 12 and more particularly of the first and second rabbets 32, 38 can vary from the embodiment shown.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 6, the magnetic frame system 10 may further include a translucent panel 64 supportable by the frame body 12 and covering the picture receiving area 26. The translucent panel 64 can be used to protect any material framed by the magnetic frame system 10 from its environment. The translucent panel 64 can further comprise a light filtering layer designed, for instance, to serve as a filter of any color for the modification of the aesthetic appearance of any material framed by the magnetic frame system 10.

According to one example embodiment, the translucent panel 64 may be free of magnetic elements (i.e. the translucent panel 64 does not have any magnetic elements).

In one example embodiment, the translucent panel 64 is permanently coupled to the frame body 12 using at least one of glue or fasteners including, but not limited to, nails, screws, adhesive tape or adhesives. For example, at the end of the molding or assembly of the frame body 12, the translucent panel 64 can be permanently coupled to the frame body 12 and the rest of the assembly of the magnetic frame system 10 remains unchanged.

According to example embodiments having the second rabbet 38, the translucent panel 64 may be received within the second rabbet 38. In one embodiment, the second height h2 of the second rabbet 38 substantially corresponds to a thickness of the translucent panel 64.

It will be appreciated that use of the translucent panel 62 may be optional because some artworks, such as paintings, have embossed surfaces that are better appreciated without a panel.

Magnetic Closing of the Picture Receiving Area

According to one example embodiment, and as illustrated in FIG. 5, the magnetic frame system 10 includes one or more magnets 52 supported by the frame body 12, and more particularly mounted to one or more locations of the back face 22 of the frame body 12. The one or more magnets 52 may be positioned on or along the first ledge 34 or in any other suitable location. The one or more magnets 52 may be coupled to the frame body 12 using an adhesive or any other suitable fasteners. Alternatively, the one or more magnets 52 may be press-fitted or frictionally fitted to the back face 22 of the frame body 12.

According to one example embodiment, and as illustrated in FIG. 5, one or more recesses 54 are formed in the first ledge 34. Referring to FIG. 5, the recesses 54 may be distributed along on the perimeter of the first ledge 34. As illustrated, a total of eight recesses 54 are located along the four sides of the first ledge 34. However, it will be understood that the number of recesses 54 provided in the first ledge 34 can vary.

The recesses 54 illustrated in FIG. 5 are cylindrical in shape, but the recesses 54 may have any other suitable shape. For example, the recesses 54 can take various shapes such as spheres, hemispheres or cubes. Furthermore, the recesses 54 can be threaded so as to receive material that can be screwed inside the recesses 54.

The one or more magnets 52 are each received within a respective recess 54 formed, in the embodiment shown, in the first ledge 34. Each magnet 52 may be partially fitted or completely fitted in the recesses 54, as long as a magnetic force from the magnet can still be applied to a ferromagnetic material. As represented in particular in FIG. 4, the one more magnets 52 have a back surface 53, the recesses 54 being dimensioned so that the back surface 53 of the magnets 52 is flush with the back face 22 of the frame body 12, and more particularly is flush with the first ledge 34. The one or more magnets 52 can take various shapes, including but not limited to, a cylinder, sphere, hemisphere or cube. Furthermore, for an improved stability of the attachment to the frame body 12, the one or more magnets 52 can be threaded so as to be screwed into the recesses 54 of the frame body 12.

It should be understood that the magnets 52 could alternatively be secured, for instance, to the rabbet inner side edge 33 of the first rabbet 34.

The magnetic frame system 10 further includes a backing plate 62, as illustrated in FIG. 6 that is designed to cooperate with the back face 22 of the frame body 12 and to engage the frame body 12 so as to cover at least partially the picture receiving area 26. The backing plate 62 has an inner face 63, configured to face the picture receiving area 26 when mounted to the frame body 12, and an opposed outer face 96. The backing plate 62 may at least partially be made of iron, cobalt, nickel, various stainless steels, or any other ferromagnetic material suitable for domestic use. The backing plate 62 can thus be referred to as a ferromagnetic backing plate 62 according to one example embodiment.

In the embodiment shown, the inner face 63 is at least partially ferromagnetic to be magnetically removably couplable to the one or more magnets 52 supported by (or mounted to the back face 22 of) the frame body 12.

When the backing plate 62 is not coupled to the at least one magnet 52, the open central area 26—or picture receiving area 26—is exposed from the back face 22 of the frame body 12 so that a frameable material 14 can be inserted into the picture receiving area 26.

Upon the inner face 63 of the backing plate 62 magnetically engaging the one or more magnets 52, since the magnets 52 are supported by the frame body 12, the backing plate 62 becomes coupled to the frame body 12. The backing plate 62 further covers the picture receiving area 26. Accordingly, frameable material 14 becomes sandwiched between a portion of the frame body 12 and the ferromagnetic back plate 62.

In one embodiment, the backing plate 62 is received within the first rabbet 32 when the inner face 63 of the backing plate 62 is magnetically engaged to the one or more magnets 52. According to various example embodiments described herein, wherein the one or more magnets 52 are received within recesses 54 defined in the first ledge 34 of the first rabbet 32, the backing plate 62 abuts against the first ledge 34 when the inner face 63 of the backing plate 62 is magnetically engaged to the one or more magnets 52. For example, the backing plate 62 abuts against the first ledge 34 when the one or more magnets 52 to which its inner face 63 is coupled are received completely within the recesses 54 of the first ledge 34 so that the one or more magnets 52 do not form a protuberance extending from the recess 54 in which they are received i.e. when the back surface 53 of the one or more magnets 52 is flush with the first ledge 34.

In the embodiment shown, the first height h1 of the first rabbet 32 is greater than or equal to a thickness of the backing plate 62. It is thus understood that in the embodiment in which the translucent panel 64 is received within the above-described second rabbet 38, the translucent panel 64 may be sandwiched between the second ledge 39 and the backing plate 62, when the backing plate 62 is received within the first rabbet 32, the at least partially ferromagnetic inner face 63 of the backing plate 62 being removably coupled to the one or more magnets 52 mounted to the first ledge 34. It will be appreciated that this configuration restricts movement of the framed material 14 inserted in the picture receiving area 26 between the translucent panel 64 and the backing plate 62.

It is appreciated that the configuration and the respective cooperation of the backing plate 12, the translucent panel 64 and the frame body 12 can vary from the embodiment shown. In some embodiments, the backing plate can be formed of a non-ferromagnetic material and can be coupled to the frame body according to conventional methods known in the art, such as using bendable tab members.

In some example embodiments, a filler plate member (not illustrated) can be positioned between the frameable material 14 and the backing plate 62. When assembled, the filler plate member is sandwiched between the frameable material 14 and the backing plate 62. The filler plate member, which may comprise a cardboard member, frictionally engages a back surface of the frameable material and further frictionally engages the inner face 63 of the backing plate 62 to restrict movement of the frameable material 14.

Method for Assembling a Magnetic Picture Frame System

The present disclosure also concerns a method for assembling a magnetic picture frame system 10.

The method firstly comprises providing a frame body 12 defining a picture receiving area 26 and having a front face 16 and a back face 22. The frame body further comprises one or more magnets 52 supported by the back face 22 of the frame body 12—or mounted to the back face 22 of the frame body 12.

The method comprises disposing a frameable material 14 in the picture receiving area 26. Then a backing plate 62 having an inner face 63 at least partially ferromagnetic is provided, that is engaged with the frame body 12 by coupling the inner face 63 of the backing plate 62 with the one or more magnets 52 for the backing plate 62 to cover at least partially the frameable material 14 disposed in the picture receiving area 26.

Magnetic Fixing Apparatus

Referring to FIGS. 6 to 13, the magnetic frame system 10 may further include a fixing apparatus 82.

In the embodiments shown, the outer face 96 of the backing plate 62 has a ferromagnetic area 65, i.e. an area made of iron, cobalt, nickel, various stainless steels, or any other ferromagnetic material suitable for domestic use. In some embodiments, the ferromagnetic area 65 covers at least about 10% of the outer face 96 of the backing plate 62. In some other embodiments, the ferromagnetic area 65 covers at least about 20% of the outer face 96 of the backing plate 62. In yet some other embodiments, the ferromagnetic area 65 covers at least about 40% of the outer face 96 of the backing plate 62. In yet some other embodiments, the ferromagnetic area 65 covers at least about 50% of the outer face 96 of the backing plate 62. In yet some other embodiments, the ferromagnetic area 65 covers at least about 75% of the outer face 96 of the backing plate 62. In yet some other embodiments, the ferromagnetic area 65 covers at least about 90% of the outer face 96 of the backing plate 62. In yet some other embodiments, the ferromagnetic area 65 covers substantially entirely the outer face 96 of the backing plate 62.

In the embodiment represented in FIGS. 5 and 6, it is understood that the ferromagnetic area 65 is constituted by the outer face 96 of the backing plate 62.

In the embodiment represented in FIGS. 12 and 13, the ferromagnetic area 65 and the backing plate 62 are made of distinct elements. In the embodiment shown, the magnetic picture frame system 10 further comprises a ferromagnetic plate having an inner face configured to be secured by any adapted means to the outer face 96 of the backing plate 62, and an opposed outer face that is configured to cooperated with the fixing apparatus 82. The dimensions of the ferromagnetic plate are substantially equal to or smaller than the dimensions of the outer face 96 of the backing plate 62.

The fixing apparatus 82 has a magnetic portion 92 magnetically removably couplable to the outer face 96 of the backing plate 62 and a coupling portion 94 couplable with a supporting structure external to the magnetic picture frame system 10. The fixing apparatus 82 may include a housing 95 that houses the magnetic portion 92 and supports the coupling portion 94. Alternative, the fixing apparatus 82 can consist essentially of an exposed magnet forming the magnetic portion 92 and the coupling portion 94 directly engages the exposed magnet. It is appreciated that the shape of the fixing apparatus 84 and the arrangement and configuration of the magnetic portion 92 and of the coupling portion 94 can vary from the embodiment shown.

The supporting structure refers to any structure to which the magnetic picture frame system 10 can be attached or hung. For example, the supporting structure can be the vertical surface of a wall, a window, a door, a piece of furniture, a supporting stand, or the like. It will be appreciated that attaching the magnetic picture frame system 10 to the supporting structure is commonly referred to as “hanging” the frame.

The coupling portion 94 of the fixing apparatus 82 includes a coupling mechanism for coupling to the supporting structure. Coupling of the coupling mechanism to the supporting structure may be provided by magnetism, adhesive or suitable fasteners (ex: nails, picture hanger and hanging wire). In one example embodiment, the coupling mechanism may be double-sided tape. In some example embodiments, the coupling portion 94 can engage the supporting structure without forming an interlocking engagement therewith. Such interlocking engagements typically include a suitable fastener (nail, picture hanger, screw) being fastened to the supporting structure and a slot configured to receive the fastener (ex: hanger hook, nail head or screw head) to form the interlocking engagement. Due to a coupling mechanism of the supporting structure being hidden from view behind the frame, aligning the parts to form the interlocking engagement can often be frustrating. In contrast, by eliminating the interlocking engagement (ex: being free of the slot for hanger hook, nail head or screw head) with the supporting structure, coupling of the magnetic picture frame system 10 to the supporting structure is simplified, which improves user experience.

FIGS. 9 to 11 represent another embodiment of the fixing apparatus 84. The fixing apparatus 84 comprises a front face 83, configured to face the outer face 96 of the backing plate 62 when they are mounted to each other, and an opposed back face 85 that is configured to face the supporting structure when the magnetic picture frame system 10 is hung on the supporting structure.

In the embodiment shown, the coupling portion 94 of the fixing apparatus 84 comprises a fixing body 87 arranged substantially centrally in which a fixing opening is formed, which may be configured to cooperate with the supporting structure. In the embodiment shown, the fixing opening is formed substantially centrally in the fixing body 87 and has a substantially circular shape.

The fixing apparatus 82 further comprises location adjustment arms 89 extending outwardly from the fixing body 87. In the embodiment shown, the fixing apparatus 84 comprises two pairs of two opposed location adjustments arms 89 extending outwardly from the fixing body 85. In other words, the four adjustment arms 89 are separated from each other by about 90 degrees around the fixing body 87.

Each adjustment arm 89 comprises a proximal end 91 by which it is mounted to the fixing body 87, and an opposed distal end 93. The adjustment arm 89 further comprises a magnetic element 97 that is secured, for instance screwed or glued, to the front face of the distal end 93. It is thus understood that in the embodiment represented in FIGS. 9 to 11, the magnetic portion of the fixing apparatus 84 comprises the magnetic elements 97 of the adjustment arms 89.

The fixing apparatus 84 further comprises, in the embodiment shown, two coupling mechanisms 99 mounted to the back face 85 of the fixing apparatus 84. The coupling mechanisms 99 are illustrated in the form of two strips of double-sided tape. The two strips of tape 99 include a removable tab that, once removed, exposes the adhesive surface thereof. The double-sided tape can be used to couple the fixing apparatus 84 to a supporting structure, with the back 85 of the fixing apparatus facing the supporting structure. The two handling portions 99 extend along substantially parallel directions and are designed to easily displace the fixing apparatus 84 on the outer face 96 of the backing plate 62.

It is appreciated that the shape and the configuration of the fixing apparatus 82, as well as the location of the magnetic portion 92 and of the coupling portion 84 can vary from the embodiment shown.

Method for Hanging a Magnetic Picture Frame System

The present disclosure also concerns a method for hanging a magnetic picture frame system 10 to a supporting structure, the magnetic hanging picture frame system 10 having a backing plate 62 comprising an outer face 96 having a ferromagnetic area. The frame system 10 further comprises a frame body 12 and a picture receiving area 26 in which a frameable material 14 is received.

The method comprises providing a fixing apparatus 82 having a magnetic portion 92 and a coupling portion 94, coupling the coupling portion 94 of the fixing apparatus 82 to the supporting structure and coupling the backing plate 62 to the magnetic portion 92 of the fixing apparatus. The method further comprises displacing the backing plate 62 relatively to the magnetic portion 92 of the fixing apparatus 82.

Advantageously, since the magnetic portion 92 of the fixing apparatus 82 is magnetically removably couplable to the ferromagnetic area of the outer face 96 of the backing plate 62, the magnetic portion 92 of the fixing apparatus 82 can engage the backing plate 62 at any location on the ferromagnetic area of the outer face 96 of the backing plate 62. Accordingly, the magnetic portion 92 is magnetically removably couplable to the backing plate 62 at an infinite number of locations on the outer face 96 of the backing plate 62. It will be appreciated that this allows for adjusting of the position of the frame body 12 (and of the frameable material 14 retained within the picture receiving area 26) relative to the surface of the supporting structure without moving the fixing apparatus 82 relative to the supporting structure. That is, the position of the frame body 12 can be adjusted (by changing the location at which the magnetic portion 92 engages the outer face 96 of the backing plate 62) while the fixing apparatus 82 is fixedly coupled to the supporting structure.

For example, the outer face 96 of the backing plate 62 can be slid on the magnetic portion 92 of the fixing apparatus 82 until a satisfactory positioning of the magnetic picture frame system 10 is obtained relatively to the supporting structure. For example, the backing plate 62 can be rotated and/or translated relative to the fixing apparatus 82 while the fixing apparatus 82 maintains a fixed position and orientation relative to the supporting structure.

In the particular embodiment of the fixing apparatus 82 described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11, the location adjustment arms 89 are dimensioned so that the magnetic portion 92 of the fixing apparatus 82 can be disposed in any location of the outer face 96 of the backing plate 62, and even in corners of the backing plate 62.

FIG. 9A illustrates the fixing apparatus (fixing apparatus 84 is shown but fixing apparatus 84 illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 8 can also be used) disposed at a first location of the outer face 96 of the backing plate 62 from magnetic engagement therebetween.

FIG. 9B illustrates the fixing apparatus disposed at a second location of the outer face 96 of the backing plate 62 from magnetic engagement therebetween. As described elsewhere herein, the location of the fixing apparatus on the outer face 96 is changed while the fixing apparatus is fixedly coupled to the supporting structure. It will be further appreciated that this results in the location of the picture frame system 10 being adjusted relative to the supporting structure while the fixing apparatus is fixedly coupled to the supporting structure.

The method might further comprise decoupling the backing plate 62 from the magnetic portion 92 of the fixing apparatus 82, providing another magnetic picture frame system 10 having a backing plate 62 comprising an outer face 96 having a ferromagnetic area, and coupling the backing plate 62 of the other magnetic picture frame system 10 to the magnetic portion 92 of the fixing apparatus 82.

It is thus possible to quickly and easily swap one magnetic picture frame system 10 for another magnetic picture frame system 10. A first magnetic picture frame system 10 can be decoupled from the supporting structure by decoupling the outer face 96 of its backing plate 62 from the magnetic portion 92 of the fixing apparatus 82 that is attached to the supporting structure. While the fixing apparatus 82 is left in position attached via its coupling portion 94 to the supporting structure, the other magnetic picture frame system 10 having for instance another frameable material 14 can be coupled to the supporting structure by magnetically coupling the ferromagnetic area of the outer face 96 of its backing plate 62 to the same magnetic portion 92 of the same fixing apparatus 82. Positioning of the second magnetic picture frame system 10 can also be adjusted.

According to example embodiments in which the picture frame system 10 includes a ferromagnetic backing plate 62, mounted magnets 52 and a fixing apparatus (82, 84) having magnetic elements (92, 97), the magnetic pull force between the backing plate 62 and the mounted magnets 52 is greater than the magnetic pull force between the backing plate 62 and the magnetic elements (92, 97) of the fixing apparatus (82, 84). Accordingly, when swapping a frame that is already mounted onto the supporting structure, the frame can be pulled away from the supporting structure to cause disengagement of the ferromagnetic backing plate 62 from the magnetic elements (92, 97) of the fixing apparatus (82, 84) while magnetic engagement of the mounted magnets 52 to the ferromagnetic backing plate 62 is maintained.

Kits

The present magnetic picture frame system 10 may also be available as a kit, with corresponding components for assembling a resulting fully assembled and operational magnetic picture frame system 10 as described previously. The kit comprises a frame body 12 defining a picture receiving area 26 and having a front 16 face and a back face 22, one or more magnets 52 mountable to the back face 22 of the frame body 12, a backing plate 62 having an inner face 63 at least partially ferromagnetic to be magnetically removably couplable to the one or more magnets 52 for the backing plate 62 to engage the frame body 12 and cover at least partially the picture receiving area 26.

The backing plate 62 might further comprise an opposed outer face 96 having a ferromagnetic area.

The kit might further comprise a fixing apparatus 82 having a magnetic portion 92 and a coupling portion 94, the magnetic portion 92 being magnetically removably couplable to the ferromagnetic area of the outer face 96 of the backing plate 62 and the coupling portion 94 being couplable with a supporting structure external to the magnetic picture frame system 10.

In one embodiment of the kit, there is also provided a translucent panel 64. When appropriately assembled, the magnetic picture frame system 10 has the characteristics as described elsewhere herein.

It could also be conceived a kit comprising a ferromagnetic plate to be secured to the outer face of the backing plate of an existing frame system, the kit further comprising a fixing apparatus having a magnetic portion configured to cooperate with the ferromagnetic plate, and a coupling portion.

While the above description provides examples of the embodiments, it will be appreciated that some features and/or functions of the described embodiments are susceptible to modification without departing from the spirit and principles of operation of the described embodiments. Accordingly, what has been described above has been intended to be illustrative and non-limiting and it will be understood by persons skilled in the art that other variants and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto. 

1. A magnetic picture frame system to be hung to a supporting structure, the magnetic picture frame system comprising: a frame body defining a picture receiving area and having a front face and a back face; a backing plate having: an inner face engageable to the back face of the frame body to cover at least partially the picture receiving area, and an opposed outer face having a ferromagnetic area; and a fixing apparatus having: a magnetic portion magnetically removably couplable to the ferromagnetic area of the outer face of the backing plate; and a coupling portion couplable with the supporting structure.
 2. The magnetic picture frame system according to claim 1, wherein the ferromagnetic area covers at least about 50% of the outer face of the backing plate.
 3. The magnetic picture frame system according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic portion is magnetically removably couplable to a plurality of locations of the outer face of the backing plate.
 4. The magnetic picture frame system according to claim 1, wherein the coupling portion is designed to form an interlocking engagement with the supporting structure.
 5. The magnetic picture frame system according to claim 1, wherein: said coupling portion comprises a fixing body; and said magnetic portion comprises one or more location adjustment arms extending from said fixing body.
 6. The magnetic picture frame system according to claim 5, wherein said magnetic portion comprises two opposed location adjustment arms extending from said fixing body.
 7. The magnetic picture frame system according to claim 5, wherein said magnetic portion comprises four adjustment arms separated by about 90 degrees around said fixing body.
 8. The magnetic picture frame system according to claim 1, further comprising: one or more magnets mounted to the back face of the frame body; the inner face of the backing plate being at least partially ferromagnetic to be magnetically removably couplable to said one or more magnets for the backing plate to engage the frame body and cover at least partially the picture receiving area.
 9. The magnetic picture frame system according to claim 8, wherein one or more recesses are formed in the back face of the frame body, said one or more magnets being at least partially received in said one or more recesses.
 10. The magnetic picture frame system according to claim 8, wherein the back face of the frame body comprises an inner side edge and a first ledge extending from said inner side edge so as to define a first rabbet, the backing plate being received within said first rabbet when coupled to said one or more magnets.
 11. The magnetic picture frame system according to claim 10, wherein a height of the first rabbet is greater than or equal to a thickness of the backing plate.
 12. The magnetic picture frame system according to claim 10, wherein the first rabbet comprises a rabbet inner side edge, the frame body further comprising a second ledge extending from said rabbet inner side edge of the first rabbet, so as to define a second rabbet extending at least partially along the first rabbet.
 13. The magnetic picture frame system according to claim 12, further comprising a translucent panel received within the second rabbet.
 14. A magnetic picture frame kit comprising: a frame body defining a picture receiving area and having a front face and a back face; a backing plate having an inner face engageable to the back face of the frame body to cover at least partially the picture receiving area, and an opposed outer face having a ferromagnetic area; and a fixing apparatus having a magnetic portion and a coupling portion, the magnetic portion being magnetically removably couplable to the ferromagnetic area of the outer face of the backing plate and the coupling portion being couplable with a supporting structure external to the magnetic picture frame.
 15. A method for hanging a magnetic picture frame system to a supporting structure, the magnetic picture frame system having a backing plate comprising an outer face having a ferromagnetic area, comprising: providing a fixing apparatus having a magnetic portion and a coupling portion; coupling the coupling portion of the fixing apparatus to the supporting structure; and coupling the ferromagnetic area of the outer face of the backing plate to the magnetic portion of the fixing apparatus.
 16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising displacing the backing plate relatively to the magnetic portion.
 17. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: decoupling the backing plate from the magnetic portion of the fixing apparatus; providing another magnetic picture frame system having a backing plate comprising an outer face having a ferromagnetic area; and coupling the backing plate of said another magnetic picture frame system to the magnetic portion of the fixing apparatus. 